The Estate News & Blog

At Soberman’s Estate, we believe in honoring the journey of recovery in a deeply personal and meaningful way. That’s why we do not use the word “graduation” when a client completes their residential treatment—we use the word commencement. This marks not an end, but a beginning. The Commencement Stone Ceremony is a unique and profound tradition at Soberman’s Estate, a moment of reflection, celebration, and hope.

The rise of rainbow fentanyl has sparked widespread concern among law enforcement, health officials, and parents.

Addiction recovery is challenging. Many people struggle with traditional treatment methods alone.

Addiction affects millions of people across the globe. Overcoming substance abuse requires the right treatment approach. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapy methods used in addiction treatment programs.

Millions of people struggle with substance use disorders, making effective treatment programs essential. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach that combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies to support recovery. This method has been proven to help individuals regain control of their lives by stabilizing brain chemistry, reducing cravings, and managing withdrawal symptoms.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of behavioral therapy developed to help manage intense emotions and improve their quality of life.

Originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted to treat various mental health conditions, including alcohol addiction, depression, and anxiety. This therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to help regulate emotions, improve relationships, and develop distress tolerance.

Questions Answered:

• What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
• How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
• How to Find DBT Treatment Near You?

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps people struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and suicidal behavior.

It was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, a psychology researcher from the University of Washington, and primarily aimed at treating patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other emotional regulation issues. DBT is based on two primary principles:

• Dialectics: This concept emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change. Patients learn that two seemingly opposing truths can coexist, reducing black-and-white thinking.
• The Biosocial Theory: This theory suggests that emotional dysregulation arises from a combination of biological predisposition and an invalidating environment.

DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help patients manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors.

It also focuses on balancing acceptance and change, empowering people to manage negative thought patterns and improve their overall well-being.

DBT is commonly used in addiction treatment programs, as it helps patients cope with cravings, impulsivity, and emotional triggers. It is also highly effective in treating borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.

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Four Main Skill Concepts of DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is structured around four main concepts that form the foundation of its therapeutic approach. These skill concepts are taught to help manage their emotions, improve relationships, and develop effective coping strategies.

Mindfulness

This concept emphasizes being fully present in the moment and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Mindfulness skills help observe their experiences and emotions, which can lead to better emotional regulation and reduced impulsivity.

Distress Tolerance

This involves developing skills to cope with distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. Techniques such as self-soothing, distraction, and radical acceptance are taught to help navigate difficult emotions and build resilience.

Emotion Regulation

This concept focuses on understanding and managing intense emotions effectively. People learn to identify their emotional responses, reduce emotional vulnerability, and increase positive emotional experiences.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

This involves improving communication skills and relationship-building abilities. Clients learn how to assert their needs, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner, which contributes to more fulfilling relationships.

How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?

DBT treatment follows a structured approach that typically lasts six months to a year. The process includes:

• Assessment and Goal Setting: Patients identify problem behaviors and set personal growth goals.
• Weekly Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions help patients work through emotional struggles.
• Group Skills Training: Patients attend weekly group sessions to learn and practice DBT skills.
• Behavioral Reinforcement: Patients track progress using diary cards and homework assignments.
• Ongoing Support: Phone coaching provides guidance outside of scheduled sessions.

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Main Treatment Components of DBT

DBT treatment includes four essential components that work together to support emotional and behavioral change:

1. Individual Therapy

Patients meet one-on-one with a DBT-trained therapist to discuss challenges, track progress, and apply DBT skills in real-life situations. These sessions focus on problem-solving and improving emotional regulation skills.

2. Group Sessions

DBT includes structured group sessions where participants learn and practice core DBT skills. These sessions offer peer support and reinforcement, helping integrate skills into daily life.

3. Phone Coaching

Recovering from addiction is a challenging journey that requires ongoing support. While professional addiction treatment can provide essential medical and psychological care, long-term success often depends on the strength of a support network.

In the early days of sobriety, motivation can feel like an unshakable force. You may have entered recovery with a deep sense of purpose—wanting to rebuild relationships, restore your health, or regain control over your life. But as time passes, that initial fire may dim. Daily stressors, routine, and even success can sometimes make it easy to lose sight of why you chose sobriety in the first place.